Our young people are proving to be more conscientious on the roads compared to their elders, and wearing high visibility clothing when out in the dark.

Over 260 children from 10 schools around the country yesterday attended a ceremony in Dublin Castle to receive awards for road-safety projects.

It was the sixth year for the 'Seatbelt Sheriff' and 'Hi-Glo Silver' programmes, in which educational characters are used to promote road safety.

Transport Minister Noel Dempsey paid tribute to the children, who he said are often better at road safety than their parents.

Results

Chief executive of the Road Safety Authority Noel Brett said the crowd was an indication that small actions can lead to greater results.

"Last year, we had 40 fewer deaths on our roads than the previous year, proving that campaigns such as 'Seatbelt Sheriff' and 'Hi-Glo Silver' are having the right effect. You have all played a role in saving lives on the roads," he said.

First prize in the 'Seatbelt Sheriff' category went to Fossa national school in Kerry for their 'Buckle 'em up sheriffs' poster. Students from Rearcross National School in Newport, Co Tipperary, took first prize in the 'Hi-Glo Silver' competition for their poster, 'In the Night, Show Some Light!'